The builders of another big vessel purchased by the Philippine government from Japan have already completed the sea trials, which would pave the way for its smooth delivery to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) next month.
In a statement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the official sea trails were conducted by the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. at the vicinity waters off Shimonoseki in Yokohama, Japan from 28 to 31 March 2022.
"They performed several tests to ensure that vessel construction complied with the technical specifications and performance requirements before delivery to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and PCG," the statement read.
PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations, CG Vice Admiral Eduardo Fabricante, and Coast Guard Fleet Commander, CG Rear Admiral Charlie Rances joined the PCG Inspection Team during the said initiative.
Also present during the official sea trials were Japan Marine Science Incorporated and Class NK consultants, as well as Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. engineers.
Once delivered, the vessel, the PCG's second 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV), will be commissioned as BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702).
Currently, crew members of MRRV-9702 are undergoing vessel training at the Shimonoseki Shipyard before their departure in Japan and arrival at the vicinity waters off Manila Bay next month.
The PCG's first 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV) was delivered in February this year.
Each of the new MRRVs has a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, and an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles. The ships are capable of conducting sustained maritime patrols in the country’s maritime jurisdictions, including the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise.
In addition, the two vessels will significantly boost the capabilities of the PCG in conducting maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.